Perde 5
MICIO
Will you not have done?
AESCHINUS
Not until I have prevailed upon you.
MICIO
Really, this is downright force.Really, this is downright force: Vis est haec quidem. The same expression occurs in the Captivi of Plautus, l. 755. The expression seemed to be a common one with the Romans. According to Suetonius, Julius Caesar used it when attacked by his murderers in the senate-house. On Tullius Cimber seizing hold of his garments, he exclaimed, Ita quidem vis est! (82.1) —Why, really, this is violence!
DEMEA
Act with heartiness, Micio.
MICIO
Although this seems to meThis seems to me: Donatus informs us that in Menander’s Play, the old man did not make any resistance whatever to the match thus patched up for him. Colman has the following observation on this fact: It is surprising that none of the critics on this passage have taken notice of this observation of Donatus, especially as our loss of Menander makes it rather curious. It is plain that Terence in the plan of his last Act followed Menander; but though he has adopted the absurdity of marrying Micio to the old lady, yet we learn from Donatus that his judgment rather revolted at this circumstance, and he improved on his original by making Micio express a repugnance to such a match, which it seems he did not in the Play of Menander. to be wrong, foolish, absurd, and repugnant to my mode of life, yet, if you so strongly wish it, be it so.
945
AESCHINUS
You act obligingly.
DEMEA
With reason I love you; but—
DEMEA
I will tell you, when my wish has been complied with.
MICIO
What now? What remains to be done?
DEMEA
Hegio here is their nearest relation;Part of line 948 in the Latin.
he is a connection of ours and poor; we ought to do some good for him.
DEMEA
There is a little farm here in the suburbs, which you let out; let us give it him to live upon.
950
MICIO
But is it a little one ?
DEMEA
If it were a large one, still it ought to be done; he has been as it were a father to her; he is a worthy man, and connected with us; it would be properly bestowed. In fine, I now adopt that proverb which you, Micio, a short time ago repeated with sense and wisdom—it is the common vice of all,
in old age, to be too intent upon our own interests. This stain we ought to avoid: it is a true maxim, and ought to be observed in deed.
955
MICIO
What am I to say to this? Well then, as he desires it (pointing to AESCHINUS), it shall be given him.
